A$AP Rocky, the popular New York rapper, has turned down a plea deal ahead of his highly anticipated firearm assault trial, which officially began this week. Reports from Rolling Stone, relayed by journalist Nancy Dillon, reveal that the artist refused the prosecution’s offer, which would have seen him plead guilty to a single charge of assault. Had Rocky accepted the deal, he would have faced 180 days in county jail, a seven-year suspended prison sentence, and three years of probation.
Despite the offer, A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, opted not to take the plea deal. The 34-year-old rapper, who has consistently maintained his innocence, made it clear that he would not admit guilt. He stated simply,
“I respectfully decline, thank you,” in response to the prosecution’s offer.
The charges against A$AP Rocky stem from an incident in November 2021, when he allegedly fired a semiautomatic firearm at his former friend, A$AP Relli, during an altercation outside a Hollywood hotel. The prosecution claims that the bullet grazed Relli’s hand, although no major injuries were reported. After the shooting, Rocky was arrested several months later in connection with the incident. He has since pleaded not guilty to the felony assault charges and is determined to fight the allegations in court.
If convicted, A$AP Rocky could face up to 24 years in prison for the two felony counts of assault with a firearm. However, his legal team, led by attorney Jose Tacopina, is preparing a defense strategy that could prove pivotal in the outcome of the trial. During pre-trial hearings, Tacopina revealed that the rapper is eager to testify and present his version of events. The defense will challenge the prosecution’s case by questioning the legitimacy of the firearm involved in the incident. Tacopina plans to call on two witnesses to testify that the firearm seen in footage from 2023 was not a real weapon but rather a “starter pistol”—a prop that Rocky allegedly carries for security reasons. This could potentially weaken the prosecution’s case, as it would suggest that the firearm in question may not have been a threat.
As of now, the jury selection process is underway. The trial will feature a jury of 12 jurors, with a number of alternates being chosen as well. Once the jury is finalized, opening statements will take place, officially launching the trial. The outcome of the proceedings will ultimately determine the future of A$AP Rocky, whose career and personal life have been significantly impacted by the legal troubles surrounding this case.
The trial marks a critical moment in the rapper’s life, and it’s clear that both his legal team and the prosecution are preparing for a complex battle in court. With the stakes so high, all eyes are on the courtroom as the trial unfolds, and fans are eager to see how this chapter in A$AP Rocky’s life will conclude. The case has attracted significant media attention, and the artist’s loyal supporters are closely following each development in the hope of a favorable resolution.
